Julie Dash, critically acclaimed director of Daughter’s of the Dust is in negotiation to direct a new film by Angel Entertainment. Tupelo 77, written by Rich Mancuso. According to the press release, the film is “set in a small town in Mississippi during the summer of 1977, the year of Elvis Presley’s death and the hottest summer on record in Mississippi. The film chronicles the lives of a group of women of various ages and races who are regulars at a roadside diner. Together they struggle to transcend the obstacles of poverty, racial and religious differences, and the persistent wounds of war.”

Bob Crowe (Rabbit Fall, Stained) and Sean Hewitt (Carry Me Home) will serve as producers. A longtime fan of Dash’s work, Crowe said, “Her ability to handle delicate and important subject matter with ease and grace is second to none. Sean Hewitt and I are overjoyed to have her on board.”

Enthused about the project. Dash said, “It is not every day that I come across a story that so beautifully depicts the kinds of relationships that transcend race and age and that simply tell a tale about a corner of the world. The script really spoke to me and I felt that I already knew the women on the page. I am very excited to work on this meaningful story about relationships.”